Propulsion Systems Project Lead – Plant Integration

Optimal; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimal is seeking a Sub System Technical Manager to serve as the on-site propulsion systems technical lead at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant. You will own propulsion readiness from execution builds through production, coordinating hardware, software, and calibration integration with cross-functional teams.

The role requires strong leadership, deep experience in automotive propulsion, and the ability to drive timely issue resolution across engineering, manufacturing, supplier quality, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of automotive manufacturing, propulsion, or vehicle integration experience.
• Experience with hardware/software release and integration processes.
• Ability to lead structured problem solving across engineering, manufacturing, supplier quality, and production teams.
• Strong communication, organization, escalation, and technical decision-making in a fast-paced plant environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead in-plant integration and readiness of PRS components and calibrations.
• Confirm hardware, software, flash content, and build timing align for execution and production needs.
• Organize PRS triage for plant-based issues with clear ownership and closure criteria.
• Represent propulsion during rolls testing, EOL activities, and audit findings.
• Coordinate propulsion part sign-off at execution builds, verifying pedigree and fit.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Engineering knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Flash stations

Calibration management

Job description

Optimal is seeking a Sub System Technical Manager to serve as the on-site propulsion systems technical lead at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant. You will own propulsion readiness from execution builds through production, coordinating hardware, software, and calibration integration with cross-functional teams.

The role requires strong leadership, deep experience in automotive propulsion, and the ability to drive timely issue resolution across engineering, manufacturing, supplier quality, and